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Berkshire Bank Foundation – Community Grants Program (2026)

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Charitable Grants Supporting Small Business, Financial Inclusion, and Housing Stability

The Berkshire Bank Foundation supports nonprofit organizations working to strengthen local communities through programs focused on small business development, financial inclusion, and housing. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis to eligible nonprofits serving communities across Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont where Berkshire Bank operates.

Organization: Berkshire Bank
Support Type: Charitable grants
Geographic Focus: Select counties in MA, NY, CT, RI, and VT (see full list below)

About the Funder

The Berkshire Bank Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Berkshire Bank, dedicated to investing in programs that help individuals, families, and small businesses achieve greater financial stability and housing security. Through strategic grantmaking and employee engagement, the Foundation partners with community-based nonprofits to create measurable, local impact.

What This Program Supports

Within its three core focus areas, the Foundation prioritizes programs and projects that demonstrate strong outcomes and community benefit:

Small Business
Initiatives that support entrepreneurship, small business growth, and local economic development.

Financial Inclusion
Programs that expand access to financial education, banking services, and tools that promote long-term financial health.

Housing
Efforts that address housing stability, affordability, and access for individuals and families.

Priority Considerations

Within the focus areas above, priority is given to requests that:

  • Serve populations where more than 51% of beneficiaries are low- and moderate-income individuals
  • Offer opportunities for Berkshire Bank employee involvement, including volunteer engagement or board service
  • Demonstrate a clear and tangible record of success with measurable outcomes

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered, applicants must:

  • Be recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization
  • Apply for a program or project aligned with small business, financial inclusion, or housing
  • Submit a completed Foundation Grant Application through the online system with all requested documentation
  • Be located in or primarily serve one of the eligible counties listed below
  • Not have received a charitable grant or bank sponsorship from Berkshire Bank within the current calendar year

Note: The Berkshire Bank Foundation does not respond to written inquiries requesting financial support outside of the online application process.

Eligible Communities

Massachusetts
Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk Counties

New York
Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, Washington, Columbia, Warren, Rensselaer, Fulton, Montgomery, Onondaga, Oneida, Herkimer Counties

Connecticut
Hartford, Tolland, New London, Windham, New Haven Counties

Rhode Island
Washington, Newport, Providence, Kent Counties

Vermont
Bennington, Rutland, Windsor Counties

Funding Amounts

Grant amounts are not published and vary based on available resources, geographic priorities, and alignment with the Foundation’s focus areas. Larger grants are rare and may require approval from the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Timeline & Review

📅 Application Timeline: Rolling / ongoing
⏳ Review Period: Decisions are generally communicated within two months of submission
🔍 Review Process: Applications are reviewed by Foundation staff and regional foundation grant committees

Application Process

All requests must be submitted through the Berkshire Bank Foundation’s online grant application system. Applicants should ensure that:

  • The project clearly aligns with one of the Foundation’s three focus areas
  • All required documentation is complete and accurate
  • The proposal highlights community impact and opportunities for employee engagement

Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://www.berkshirebank.com/about-us/our-impact/community-support/grants-and-giving

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This program is well-suited for nonprofits that:

  • Serve low- and moderate-income communities in Berkshire Bank’s footprint
  • Work at the intersection of economic opportunity, financial health, and housing stability
  • Value corporate partnership and employee engagement as part of their impact strategy
  • Are seeking flexible, community-focused grant support with a rolling review process

Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Rolling
Typical Decision Timeline: ~2 months
Best Suited For: Community-based nonprofits focused on small business support, financial inclusion, and housing in the Northeast

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